This event is full. Thank you for supporting our programs!

Trauma and its effects can be challenging to understand for both individuals and family units. Experiences like stress, poverty, or violence can influence the expression of our genes, affecting the generations that come after us.

Join facilitator Shelby Pressley of Ever-Evolving Wellness in this small-group workshop, where we will learn about and discuss intergenerational trauma and work to understand how the things that happened before us may still affect us in the present day.

There is no registration fee for this event, but in the spirit of International Women’s Month, we suggest a $10 donation to our Sponsor a Warrior program for survivors of domestic violence or a box of feminine hygiene products, which we will pass along to our next-door neighbors, the Esperanza Center. <3

About Shelby

Shelby Pressley is a well-being and mental health advocate whose journey through her own wellness has been one of many peaks and valleys! She’s learned to tap into her natural gift of connecting with others and using her experiences to assist others through their difficult and challenging times. She is the founder of Ever-Evolving Wellness, based in Cincinnati.

Make safety, strength, and empowerment a family affair in this parent-child workshop. 

Open to those 9+ years of age and their mothers (or other female guardians), this 3-hour class not only teaches the safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell), it fosters teamwork and open communication between parent and child.

In addition to verbal defense techniques, we’ll practice escapes and strikes. Wear comfortable clothes!

Our Stronger Together registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $75 (Reduced), $100 (Standard), or $125 (Supporter) per pair based on your budget. Register additional children for $25 each.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

There are 3 family spots left.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

There are 4 spots left.

The Thrive 5K is a community-focused event aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence in Northern Kentucky. Set to take place on October 28, 2023, this inaugural event is designed to bring people together in the spirit of promoting healthy relationships and ending domestic abuse.

Participants can expect a fun-filled morning of walking, running, and cheering on others as they complete the 5K course through Devou Park. With each step, runners and walkers will be making a statement in support of those affected by domestic violence, showing that the community stands with them and is committed to creating a safer, healthier future for all.

In addition to the race, the event will feature a resource fair to learn more about the impact of domestic violence and ways to prevent it. There will also be opportunities to connect with local organizations working to support survivors and end the cycle of abuse.

The Thrive 5K is an important step in raising awareness for domestic violence and fostering a community committed to supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Join us on October 28, 2023, to take part in this powerful event.

Details and registration information can be found here:

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact MeghanK@thriveselfdefense.com for info.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

We have 4 spots left.

In honor of campus safety month, this workshop—sponsored by the Miami University Police Department and the MU Office of Student Wellness—is being offered at no cost to all Miami University students, faculty, staff, and the Oxford community.

Participants will gain a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. Together, we’ll learn and practice:

• Understanding the science behind our intuition

• Using our posture and voice to protect our boundaries

• Recognizing and responding to red-flag behaviors

• Escaping from grabs and holds

• Simple physical strikes anyone can use

On-campus location is Phillips Hall 033. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Join us in the May Room at Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington for this open, all-community event!

Learn and practice tools for mental, verbal, and physical self-defense in this fun, trauma-informed, hands-on workshop. We’ll test our awareness, learn why our intuition is our superpower, find our unique Warrior Voices, and practice escapes from common grabs and holds as well as simple gross-motor strikes anyone can do. You matter, your voice matters, and you are more powerful than you realize!

From 6 pm to 6:30 pm, our host Trinity Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is offering light refreshments and community.

At 6:30 pm, we’ll begin the 2.5-hour Empowerment Self-Defense program.

There is no registration fee, but we ask that participants bring a donation of feminine hygiene products to support ECW’s community outreach efforts.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

**Only 1 spot left!**

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

The next series runs every Thursday in June: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

This small-group workshop is designed to support survivors of sexual assault and individuals who struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear around sex. It aims to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore their sexuality, learn coping skills, and connect with others who have had similar experiences. 

Using discussion, interactive exercises, creative activities, and guided meditations, Sexually Speaking explores:

• consent

• boundaries

• communication

• pleasure

• sexual health

• intimacy

• self-care

We will also work on building self-esteem and self-confidence to help participants feel empowered in their sexual experiences. 

While the topic of sexual assault is a serious and important issue, our class is also designed to be fun and enjoyable. We believe that laughter and humor can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. Therefore, we encourage a relaxed and playful atmosphere where participants can feel comfortable expressing themselves and enjoying the process. 

This series registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $50 (Reduced), $75 (Standard), or $100 (Supporter) based on your budget.

Due to our small class sizes, you must pre-register to reserve your spot. If the registration fee is a barrier to your attendance, please email us.

We have 8 spots left.

*Only 1 family spot left.*

Make safety, strength, and empowerment a family affair in this parent-child workshop. 

Open to those 9+ years of age and their mothers (or other female guardians), this 3-hour class not only teaches the safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell), it fosters teamwork and open communication between parent and child.

In addition to verbal defense techniques, we’ll practice escapes and strikes. Wear comfortable clothes!

Our Stronger Together registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $75 (Reduced), $100 (Standard), or $125 (Supporter) per pair based on your budget. Register additional children for $25 each.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

This event has been canceled due to lack of interest.

Calling all mothers, grandmothers, step mothers, foster mothers, and honorary mothers: It’s time to celebrate yourself!

• Self-affirming activities

• Discussion on boundary setting with those we love (so hard for moms!)

• Yummy treats

• BYOB (we can’t serve you but you’re welcome to bring some grown-up beverages)

Registration Fee: $25

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

2 spots left.

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

Instructor Erin DeSantis invites you to this relaxing class to bring you into a new week with ease. The practice will be floor based with meditation offerings. You will leave feeling grounded and ready for anything to come.

Our floor is matted, but you are welcome to bring your own mat and a water bottle.

Class fees:

• Drop-in rate: $15

• 5-class pass: $70

• 10-class pass: $125

Due to space limitations, reservation is required.

***This session is full.***

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

***FULL***

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

Registration fee: $50 (If this is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to us!)

Does talking about sex with your kids intimidate or even scare you? Are you concerned about the influence of social media and popular culture on your young peoples' attitudes and values around sex? In this engaging and supportive space, we'll discuss 

• how and why to become an "askable adult"

• the importance of knowing and sharing your own values around sexuality with your young people

• resources to help you become more prepared to talk about sex with your young people

Talking about sex with kids doesn't come naturally to many of us, but the benefits of it are overwhelming. Regardless of the age of the young people in your life, this brief workshop will provide guidance and support for all parenting adults.

Your young person’s health and well-being—both physical and emotional—is too important to make “The Talk” a onetime event. Community educators Katie Gardner and Leslie Montgomery will give you the tools to create a culture of open communication in your home.

In-person space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

In-person registration fee: $20 (If this is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to us!) Includes workbook.

Family discounts for co-parents of the same children: $30 for two parents, $45 for three parents, $65 for four parents

OR

About the Instructor

Katie Gardner, BSN, is a Community Outreach Educator with Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK). Born and raised in Kentucky, she has years of experience providing health education focusing on sexual health, empowerment, relationships, and consent. She also teaches Empowerment Self-Defense through her own organization, Empowering Movement.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

Registration fee: $50 (If this is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to us!)

We have 4 spots left.

***We have 1 family spot left!***

Make safety, strength, and empowerment a family affair in this parent-child workshop. 

Open to those 9+ years of age and their mothers (or other female guardians), this 3-hour class not only teaches the safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell), it fosters teamwork and open communication between parent and child.

In addition to verbal defense techniques, we’ll practice escapes and strikes. Wear comfortable clothes!

The cost of this session is $100 per pair ($25 for each additional child). Please reach out to us if this fee is a barrier to you.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

Designed for students heading off to college in the fall or already in college, our 3-hour workshop prepares them to enter the next chapter of their lives safely and more confidently.

Through hands-on activities, role play, the presentation of real-world scenarios (such as dating violence, parties, and harassment both online and on the street), and the practice of verbal and physical techniques, we’ll learn how to:

• recognize and assess danger

• assert boundaries and de-escalate tense situations

• escape grabs and holds

• use our body’s 10 tools to fend off a physical attack

• find help and support for ourselves and others who’ve experienced harassment or violence

Open to all 15 to 21 years old.

The cost of the session is $50. Please reach out to us if this fee is a barrier to you.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

*** Only 5 spots left ***

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

Registration fee: $50 (If this is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to us!)

We have 6 spots left.

As part of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming, we are partnering with The Ion Center For Violence Prevention to bring local teens a Healthy Dating Series, open to everyone ages 13-17. Come to one night or all three!

In the final session, we’ll use dynamic activities and discussions to:

• recognize the predatory behaviors that often lead to sexual assault.

• learn the “4Ds” of bystander intervention, so we know what to do if we see someone else in trouble.

• evaluate our level of responsibility to others to help our community stay safe.

• identify when it’s safe for us to intervene and when we need help from others.

Registration: FREE. Donations of personal-care products (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, etc.) will be collected for the ION Center’s domestic violence shelters and are much appreciated.

Pizza, snacks, and drinks provided!.

This workshop—sponsored by the Miami University Police Department and the MU Office of Student Wellness—is presented by Women Helping Women in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is being offered at no cost to all Miami University students, faculty, staff, and the Oxford community.

One of the most powerful self-defense tools we have is our voice, yet it’s also the one many people find most difficult to use. In this 2-hour class, we will discuss and practice

• effective ways to set physical and emotional boundaries, both with strangers and people we know and care about

• granting and withholding consent

• navigating uncomfortable conversations and deescalating tense encounters

• recognizing the warning signs of dangerous relationships and how to remove ourselves from them

• simple releases from unwanted touch

On-campus location to be announced. Pre-registration is encouraged.

As part of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming, we are partnering with The Ion Center For Violence Prevention to bring local teens a Healthy Dating Series, open to everyone ages 13-17. Come to one night or all three!

In the second session, we’ll use dynamic activities and discussions to:

• decide what positive qualities we want in our relationships.

• recognize red-flag behaviors in our own relationships and in others’.

• identify strategies for avoiding, addressing, or escaping red-flag behaviors.

• learn three simple physical self-defense techniques we can use if we feel we’re in danger.

Registration: FREE. Donations of personal-care products (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, etc.) will be collected for the ION Center’s domestic violence shelters and are much appreciated.

Pizza, snacks, and drinks provided!.